What should I do if I've been in a Motorcycle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents almost always result in very serious, often permanent, injury as well as wrongful death. If the actions of another motorist or road conditions caused the crash, contact the Oregon and Northern California motorcycle injury lawyers of Black, Chapman, Petersen & Stevens.

The statistics bear out that operating a motorcycle can be risky – more than 5,200 motorcyclists were killed in the United States during 2008 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with 48 of those deaths here in Oregon. Accident data also reveals that responsibility for the accident typically lies with the driver of the other vehicle.

The other driver is responsible for the crash in about two-thirds of motorcycle accidents. Failing to see the motorcycle or seeing the motorcyclist too late to avoid the collision are the most common scenarios. The single biggest danger to a motorcycle rider is drivers making left turns when the cycle is proceeding straight through an intersection.

These crashes may also involve traffic violations by the other driver, such as illegal turning, a failure to yield the right of way, failure to obey a stop sign or traffic control signal or speeding.

The attorneys at Black, Chapman, Petersen & Stevens offers extensive experience in motorcycle accident cases. We have secured compensation for all types of injuries associated with motorcycling accidents:

Road rash, burns and lacerations — Protective riding boots and motorcycle specific clothing can potentially reduce the injuries from a motorcycle crash, but many riders may still suffer severe injuries from sliding on pavement after being ejected from the bike at impact or when “spilling the cycle” in an attempt to avoid a collision. Lacerations are severe cuts, which often lead to nerve damage, dangerous infection and permanent scarring. “Road rash” is extremely painful damage to surface layers of skin caused by skidding on the pavement and compounded by debris that is embedded in the underlying tissues. The heat generated by friction or contact with engine parts can also result in substantial burns to the victim.

Broken bones and internal injury —We have seen every type of injury including broken legs, ankles and feet, broken arms and hand injuries. Broken bones can take months or even years to properly heal and can potentially result in permanent disability. Additionally, organ damage or internal injury may go undiagnosed initially.

Head injury — Injuries to the face, along with a fractured skull and “closed head” injuries are far more typical in a motorcycle accident than other vehicle accidents. A traumatic brain injury may change the rider’s life forever, often resulting in permanent motor skill impairment and mental capacity.

Paralysis and spinal cord injury — Injury to the spine (neck or back injury) can also be the result in cycle crashes. The victim may be paralyzed completely or severely limited due to pain or damage to the vertebrae and connecting tissues.

We will send investigators and sometimes accident reconstruction specialists to the scene of a motorcycle accident to determine if the other driver’s negligence or hazardous road conditions led to the accident. Black, Chapman, Petersen & Stevens aggressively pursues compensation for their clients through negotiations with the insurance company, or if need be, we will take your case to trial. Our attorneys have succeeded on behalf of motorcycle accident victims in obtaining damages for surgery, physical therapy, skin grafts, and all future medical care as well as other treatment.

In fatal motorcycle accidents, we will help families recover wrongful death damages for medical and funeral expenses, the lost income of the loved one, and the loss of consortium.

Although other drivers are often at fault, motorcycle riders can take precautions to reduce the chance of accident and injury. At Black, Chapman, Petersen & Stevens, we encourage all motorcycle drivers to take specialized motorcycle safety courses, obey all traffic laws and wear helmets.

Call Toll-Free 800-525-2099 for a FREE CONSULTATION

Don’t delay. Contact our law firm today to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation. Call our main office toll free 800-525-2099. With offices located throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California we can serve you no matter where you are located.

Oregon Personal Injury Attorneys at the Law Offices of Black, Chapman, Petersen & Stevens represent clients throughout Oregon and Northern California, including residents of Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Coos County, Curry County, Douglas County, Lane County, Deschutes County, Lake County, Del Norte County, Siskiyou County, Modoc County, Humbolt County, Trinity County, Shasta County Lassen County. If you or a loved one has been injured contact our motorcycle accident attorney today.

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This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be personal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Please note: Any result that Black, Chapman, Petersen & Stevens may achieve on behalf of one client in one matter does not necessarily indicate that similar results can be obtained for other clients.